Auleria Wakudumo

ONGWEDIVA – The Ongwediva Town Council has launched a disaster risk preparedness initiative, becoming the first local authority to procure its own emergency tents to strengthen response efforts during natural disasters.

The town’s mayor, Naemi Amuthenu, inaugurated the initiative on Wednesday. She said the move demonstrates the council’s commitment to enhancing disaster risk management through prevention, preparedness, response and recovery measures.

As part of the programme, the council procured six emergency tents valued at N$140 000 during the 2025/2026 financial year. Three of the tents measure five by 10 metres, while the remaining three measure five by five metres.

The tents will be made available free of charge to Ongwediva residents during emergencies such as floods, fire outbreaks, wind damage and other humanitarian crises.

They are expected to support relief operations, provide temporary shelter, serve as medical triage areas, and be used for training exercises.

Chief fire officer and the head of disaster risk management secretariat Sam Matheus described the development as a milestone in the evolution of emergency services in the town.

He noted that the role of the fire services has expanded beyond traditional firefighting to a more comprehensive disaster management approach.

Amuthenu encouraged community members to support the initiative by reporting emergencies promptly and visiting local fire stations for more information on disaster preparedness.

The council has indicated plans to procure additional tents in the next financial year to further strengthen its emergency response capacity.

– awakudumo@nepc.com.na